Flutterwave Expands Payment Options for African E-commerce with American Express Partnership
In a significant move to enhance cross-border e-commerce in Africa, Flutterwave, the continent’s leading payments technology company, has announced a new partnership with American Express. This collaboration enables Flutterwave’s online merchants in Nigeria to accept payments from American Express Card Members, marking a substantial expansion in payment options for African businesses.
The integration allows American Express cardholders, whether using consumer, business, or corporate cards, to make direct payments to e-commerce businesses utilizing Flutterwave’s platform in Nigeria. This service is not limited to Nigeria alone; Flutterwave plans to extend this capability to merchants in Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda soon, further broadening its impact across the African continent.
This strategic partnership offers numerous benefits for both merchants and shoppers. Flutterwave merchants now have the opportunity to tap into a new customer base, attracting business from American Express Card Members both within Africa and globally. This expansion of payment methods is expected to streamline online transactions and enhance the overall shopping experience for consumers.
This collaboration strengthens American Express’s global network footprint in Africa. It significantly increases the locations where American Express card members can use their cards to purchase a wide range of goods and services across the continent. This move aligns with American Express’s recent efforts to expand its presence in Africa, following the introduction of four new credit cards in Nigeria in May 2024.
Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “At Flutterwave, we’re always looking to connect the world to Africa through payments. This collaboration provides more options for American Express cardholders across the globe regarding where to shop and what to buy.” Agboola emphasized that by offering American Express as a payment method, Flutterwave aims to simplify and expedite the payment process for cardholders while improving the experience for e-commerce businesses using their platform.
Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, echoed this sentiment, describing the partnership as a “win-win.” Wilsey highlighted that this collaboration allows e-commerce merchants in Nigeria to reach American Express Card Members worldwide and increases the number of places where Card Members can use their cards in Nigeria.
This development comes from Flutterwave’s recent expansion efforts and regulatory achievements. In August 2024, the company received a Payment Service Provider license (Enhanced Category) from the Bank of Ghana, allowing it to operate independently without third-party services. This license simplifies payment processes for businesses and customers in Ghana. Additionally, in May 2024, Flutterwave expanded its operations into Mozambique, further solidifying its presence across the African continent.
The Flutterwave-American Express partnership represents a significant step in digitalizing payments in Africa. It facilitates easier cross-border transactions and opens up new markets for African businesses. By enabling merchants to “start locally and sell globally,” Flutterwave continues to play a pivotal role in connecting African commerce to the global economy.
As e-commerce continues to increase across Africa, partnerships like this are crucial in providing the necessary infrastructure to support this growth. Flutterwave’s consistent efforts to expand payment options and geographical reach demonstrate its commitment to driving financial inclusion and economic development across the continent. With this latest integration of American Express payments, Flutterwave further cements its position as a key player in Africa’s fintech revolution, bridging the gap between local businesses and global consumers.